Managing applications for power conservation

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present application relate to a method, apparatus, and system for waking up an app. The method includes adding an application (app) to a wake-up alarm group comprising a plurality of apps, adjusting a plurality of alarm wake-up times corresponding to the plurality of apps, wherein the plurality of alarm wake-up times corresponding to the plurality of apps are adjusted to be consistent, and waking up the plurality of apps belonging to the wake-up alarm group according to the adjusted alarm wake-up times corresponding to the plurality of apps belonging to the wake-up alarm group.

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/829,984, entitled MANAGING APPLICATIONS FOR POWERCONSERVATION filed Aug. 19, 2015 which is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes, which claims priority to People's Republicof China Patent Application No. 201410415905.5 entitled AN APP WAKE-UPMETHOD AND DEVICE, filed Aug. 21, 2014 which is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to power management of devices. Inparticular, the present application relates to management of howapplications are woken up when the device is in a standby mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As third-generation (3G) mobile telecommunication technology networksspread, an increasing number of smart terminals (e.g., mobile phoneswith Internet access and relatively more advanced processingcapabilities) are being used to access the internet. Consequently, anincreasing number of new applications (apps) are being developedaccording to user demands relating to Internet access and using theadvanced functionality of smart terminals. Many functions that userspreviously relied on computers (e.g., PCs) to perform are now beingperformed completed by smart terminals. Although smart terminals arebringing more and more functionality to users, smart terminals are alsosuffering a defect, namely increasingly high power consumption.

When a terminal is in a standby mode, the terminal consumes less powerthan when the terminal is in an operating mode. Therefore, when aterminal has less surplus energy, the user generally will set theterminal to standby mode so as to conserve power. However, many apps runon the terminal not only while the user is operating the terminal, butalso when the terminal is set to standby mode. Such apps periodicallywake up the operating system in the background and communicate withnetworks. Thus, relatively large amounts of power are being consumedunbeknownst to the user.

A terminal tends to consume a relatively large amount of power when theterminal is set to standby because periodic wake-up times associatedwith various apps running on the terminal are not consistent.Accordingly, one app can be woken up when another app has just enteredinto standby state. As a result, the operating system is constantlybeing woken up by the various apps and does not stay in standby mode.

Conventional art addresses the problems associated with inconsistentwake-up times of various apps running on a terminal by adopting a“unified heartbeat” approach. According to the “unified heartbeat”approach, the wake-up times for all apps within a system are unified tothe same wake-up time. Thus, all the apps in a system may be woken up atthe same time. However, because each app has a different wake-up cycleneed, such an approach will adversely affect the performance of someapps. For example, WeChat™ is an instant messaging software. If thewake-up cycle corresponding to WeChat™ is configured to be consistentwith other software which does not involve instant requirements (e.g.,an online translation dictionary), the unified wakeup times woulddiminish WeChat™'s instant messaging performance, especially when thewake-up cycle is set to have a long interval such as one hour.

Letting each app set its own periodic wake-up time means that mobilephone power consumption is relatively high during standby mode. However,the unified wake-up time approach diminishes the performance of someapps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the followingdetailed description and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for waking up an app according tovarious embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for waking up an app according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for waking up an app according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for managing wake-up of an appaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting the structural relationships of elementsof an app wake-up device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of an app wake-up device according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a functional diagram of a computer system for waking up an appaccording to various embodiments of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as aprocess; an apparatus; a system; a composition of matter; a computerprogram product embodied on a computer readable storage medium; and/or aprocessor, such as a processor configured to execute instructions storedon and/or provided by a memory coupled to the processor. In thisspecification, these implementations, or any other form that theinvention may take, may be referred to as techniques. In general, theorder of the steps of disclosed processes may be altered within thescope of the invention. Unless stated otherwise, a component such as aprocessor or a memory described as being configured to perform a taskmay be implemented as a general component that is temporarily configuredto perform the task at a given time or a specific component that ismanufactured to perform the task. As used herein, the term ‘processor’refers to one or more devices, circuits, and/or processing coresconfigured to process data, such as computer program instructions.

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention isprovided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate theprinciples of the invention. The invention is described in connectionwith such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to anyembodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims andthe invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications andequivalents. Numerous specific details are set forth in the followingdescription in order to provide a thorough understanding of theinvention. These details are provided for the purpose of example and theinvention may be practiced according to the claims without some or allof these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technicalmaterial that is known in the technical fields related to the inventionhas not been described in detail so that the invention is notunnecessarily obscured.

Various embodiments relate to a method, system, and apparatus forsetting a power-saving level associated with an app. According tovarious embodiments, a power-saving level is set for each app. Forexample, a power-saving level is set for a corresponding app installedon a terminal such as a mobile terminal, a PC, a tablet, a wearableterminal such as a smart watch, the like, or any combination thereof.Various wake-up time intervals can be set to correspond to the variouspower-saving levels. In some embodiments, all apps are associated withcorresponding power-saving levels. In some embodiments, a subset of allapps are associated with corresponding power-saving levels. For example,a power-saving level associated with a particular app can be set whenthe power-saving level is needed or desirable for the particular app. Inthe event that a power-saving level associated with an app is set, theapp is added to the appropriate wake-up alarm group (e.g., the wake-upalarm group corresponding to the power-saving level set to be associatedwith an identifier or a reference of the app). In some embodiments, thealarm wake-up time of each app in a particular wake-up alarm group isadjusted to make the alarm wake-up times of each app consistent. In theevent that the apps in a wake-up alarm clock have a consistent alarmwake-up time, the apps in the wake-up alarm group are woken up at thecorresponding wake-up time. In some embodiments, alarm wake-up times formultiple apps are configurable (e.g., can be adjusted according to usersettings or user preferences) to make the alarm wake-up times consistent(e.g., making the apps correspond to a particular wake-up alarm clock).For example, multiple apps can use the same wake-up time, thus reducingthe wake-up frequency for the operating system, increasing operatingsystem sleep time, and conserving terminal power. In some embodiments, apower-saving level is set for each app. The power-saving level set foreach app can conform to the actual operating needs of that app andthereby meet the wake-up needs of different apps while conserving power.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for waking up an app according tovarious embodiments of the present application. Process 100 can beimplemented by device 600 of FIG. 6 or computer system 700 of FIG. 7.Process 100 can be performed by a device on which an app is installed.As an example, the device can be a mobile terminal, a PC, a tablet, awearable PC such as a smartwatch, the like, or any other appropriateclient terminal on which applications are executed.

At 101, a determination is made as to whether an app has an alarmfunction. For example, it is determined whether an app has an alarmfunction. The app can comprise two types of alarm functions—one is toalert user (e.g., wake the user up at 7:00 in the morning), and theother is used only by software only, no signal is provided to user,rather, the alarm is trigger for software running in the background. Thealarm function can correspond to a function to alert a user. The alarmfunction can serve to issue an alert signal to alert the user at apreset time or at a preset interval. 101 can be optionally included inprocess 100.

Some apps, such as Moji Weather™, have an alarm function to alert users.If power-saving levels are set (e.g., if the app is added to apower-saving app database) for apps that have alarm functions (e.g.,native alarm functions), the corresponding alarm functions (e.g.,user-alerting alarm functions) of these apps will be affected. Forexample, if power-saving levels are set for an app that has an alarmfunction, the app may wake up at times according to the power-savinglevels and at times according to the alarm functions. The use ofpower-saving levels in connection with waking up the app at timesaccording to power-saving levels could decrease the power consumption ofthe app. Accordingly, before adding an app to a wake-up alarm group, insome embodiments, it is first determined whether the app has such auser-alerting alarm function.

If the app has such a user-alerting alarm function, then no power-savingsetting is implemented for the app. If the app does not have such auser-alerting alarm function, then the app is added to the correspondingwake-up alarm group in accordance with the power-saving level in apower-saving app database.

In some embodiments, the determination of whether an app has an alarmfunction can correspond to the determination of whether the originalwake-up time set by the app itself is an integer multiple of minutes. Insome embodiments, the determination is made by checking for the originalwake-up time in a mapping table of apps and their corresponding originalwake-up times. In some embodiments, the determination is made inconnection with whether the app sets a wake-up time. If the originalwake-up time set by the app itself is an integer multiple of minutes,then the app can be determined to have a user-alerting alarm function.

In the event that the app has an alarm function (e.g., a native alarmfunction), process 100 can end. In this example, if the app has a nativealarm function, no power-saving setting is implemented in relation tothe app.

In the event that the app does not have an alarm function, process 100can proceed to 110.

At 110, an app is added to a wake-up alarm group. The particular wake-upalarm group to which the app is added can be selected according to apower-saving level associated with an app. For example, a power-savinglevel associated with the app can be set (e.g., selected) and the appcan be added to the wake-up alarm group corresponding to the setpower-saving level. The power-saving level can be set by a user (e.g.,according to user settings or user preferences), by the device on whichthe app is installed, the like, or any combination thereof. Thepower-saving level associated with the app can be set according to apower-savings level needed/desired for the app, and the app is added tothe appropriate wake-up alarm group. Different power-saving levels (andwake-up alarm groups) correspond to different wake-up time intervals.According to various embodiments, a wake-up time interval is an amountof time after which an app is woken up after having been placed in (setto) a sleep state.

According to various embodiments, a power-saving setting for each appassociated with an alarm setting is carried out in a separate managementapplication. For example, the power-saving setting for each app in needof an alarm setting is configured using user interfaces provided by amanagement application. A power-saving setting for each app can be setvia a user interface, or the corresponding setting can be downloadedfrom a server after boot up by the device (e.g., after a first boot upof the device). After carrying out the power-saving settings of each app(e.g., after configuring each corresponding app with an associatedpower-saving setting), the original alarm wake-up time that had been setby each app itself (e.g., the wake-up time configured by the developerof the app) becomes void, and multiple apps uniformly use wake-up timesafter they have been made consistent (e.g., after the wake-up timesrespectively associated with the multiple apps in the correspondingwake-up group are aligned).

In some embodiments, different power-saving levels correspond todifferent wake-up time intervals. For example, power-saving level 1,power-saving level 2, and power-saving level 3 respectively correspondto no wake-up, a wake-up interval of 30 minutes, and a wake-up intervalof 5 minutes. Other power-saving levels to wake-up intervals mapping canbe used.

In some embodiments, the power-saving levels associated with the appsare configured according to a real-time need for information associatedwith the app. For example, an app's need for information (e.g., a user'sneed for information via the app) can change (e.g., can be dynamic). Thepower-saving level associated with the app can be configured (e.g.,automatically by one or more processors) according to the app's currentneed for information. An app's current need for information can bedetermined according to whether the app is configured to access theinternet or communicate over a network, whether the app performs instantmessaging or other real-time communication functions, or the like. Thereal-time need for information associated with the app can beconfigurable by a user according to user settings, user preferences, orthe like. Accordingly, the power-saving level associated with an app canbe dynamic.

According to various embodiments, an app's real-time need forinformation includes the user's communication delay requirement for theapp. For example, the real-time need for information can include:message delivery must be instantaneous, message delivery can be delayed,no real-time message delivery requirement, etc. In some embodiments,real-time need for information associated with a particular app can beinput by the user via a user setting interface and stored in aconfiguration file; in some embodiments, the real-time need forinformation for the app can be obtained from a network, such as aconfiguration file stored on a server.

According to various embodiments, power-saving levels associated withcorresponding apps that conform to the user's actual needs can be setbased at least in part on the real-time need for information. Forexample, in the case of communication software such as WeChat™, becausethe user requires (e.g., uses) instant messaging of the software, thepower-saving level for this type of communication software can be set topower-saving level 3 (e.g., a power-saving level corresponding to awake-up time interval of five minutes). In the case of software such asSina Weibo™ or Twitter™, the applications have lower real-timerequirements because the user can tolerate delayed communication forthis type of software, and thus the power-saving level for this type ofcommunication software can be set to power-saving level 2 (e.g., apower-saving level corresponding to a wake-up time interval of 30minutes). In the case of query-type software such as Youdao Dictionary™or Yahoo!™ Web search, the user generally has no real-time communicationrequirements for this type of software. Thus, the power saving for thistype of software is set to power-saving level 1 (e.g., a power-savinglevel corresponding to no wake-up).

According to various embodiments, different power-saving levels may beset corresponding to different wake-up alarm groups. In addition, analarm wake-up time window corresponding to the app can be determinedaccording to the power-saving level of the app. In some embodiments, thealarm wake-up time window corresponds to a time period during which thecorresponding app is woken up. For example, an app can be woken up atany time during the corresponding alarm wake-up time window. The wake-upalarm group to which an app belongs corresponds to an intersection ofthe wake-up time window corresponding to the wake-up alarm group and thealarm wake-up time window corresponding to the app. For example, thewake-up alarm group corresponding to an app is the alarm group at leastpartially overlapping the wake-up time window of the app and the alarmwake-up time window. Implementations for determining the wake-up alarmgroup to which the app belongs are discussed in further detail inconnection with FIGS. 2 and 3.

In some embodiments, a power-saving app database is configured. Thepower-saving levels associated with an app are added to the power-savingapp database. The power-saving app database can store mappings ofpower-saving levels and corresponding apps. In the event that apower-saving level associated with an app is set, the power-saving appdatabase is updated to store the association of the power-saving levelwith the app. The power-saving level database can be a local database onthe user terminal or a remote database accessible over a network. Theuser terminal can fetch the current power-saving level for the app fromthe power-saving app database. Updating of the database is described infurther detail in connection with FIG. 4.

At 120, the alarm wake-up time of each app in the wake-up alarm group isadjusted. The alarm wake-up time of an app can be adjustedcontemporaneously with adjustment of other apps in the wake-up alarmgroup or in connection with the app being added to the wake-up alarmgroup. In some embodiments, the alarm wake-up time of each app isadjusted to make the alarm wake-up times corresponding to the respectiveapps in the wake-up alarm group consistent. According to variousembodiments, alarm wake-up times are deemed to be consistent if thealarm wake-up times are the same. Accordingly, adjustments to alarmwake-up times of apps are made to cause the apps to have the same alarmwake-up time. The wake-up intervals can be determined based at least inpart on the power-saving level. The wake-up intervals can be set afterthe device is configured or in response to a change in correspondingsettings in connection with an input from a user via a user interface,or an update provided from a server.

After the app is added to the appropriate wake-up alarm group, the alarmwake-up times of all the apps in the wake-up alarm group are aligned.Specifically, the alarm wake-up times of the apps are set to the samevalue in the database. In some embodiments, the alarm wake-up time ofthe app is manually set by the user as the alarm wake-up time of all theapps previously included in the wake-up alarm group; in someembodiments, the alarm-wake up time of the app is automatically set asthe alarm wake-up time for all the apps previously included in thewake-up alarm group in response to the app being added to the wake-upalarm group. In some embodiments, in response to the app being added tothe wake-up alarm group, the alarms corresponding to all the apps in thewake-up alarm group are reset (or updated) to the same wake-up time.

At 130, the apps in the wake-up alarm group are woken up at the wake-uptime associated with the wake-up alarm group. In some embodiments, theapps in the wake-up alarm group are configured to monitor (e.g., waiton) an alarm timer while they are in standby mode.

At the wake-up time, all the apps in the wake-up alarm group uniformlyuse the aligned wake-up time for unified waking up of all the apps inthe wake-up alarm group. According to various embodiments, reducing thewake-up frequency of the operating system increases operating systemsleep time, and thus terminal power can be conserved.

In some embodiments, 130 includes, upon determining that the terminal onwhich the app is installed is in standby mode, monitoring the wake-uptime after the alarms corresponding to every app in the wake-up alarmgroup has been adjusted to make the alarm corresponding to each appconsistent. Specifically, at the wake-up time, the operating systemnotifies the apps in the wake-up alarm group that the alarm timer hasgone off, thus causing the apps to wake up. In addition, in the eventthat the alarm wake-up time is detected (e.g., by the monitoring) afterthe alarm wake-up time of each app in the wake-up alarm group isadjusted, all of the apps in the wake-up alarm group are woken up (e.g.,put into active mode where the apps are performing operations ratherthan waiting for the wake-up timer).

In some embodiments, process 100 is activated only when the terminal isin standby mode because a power-saving strategy is designed to restrictapps running in the background rather than apps that are currentlyexecuting. For example, in some embodiments, in the event that theterminal is in the operating mode, the terminal uses the original alarmwake-up time that was set by the app itself. In the event that theterminal is in the standby mode, the terminal typically cuts power tothe screen such that the screen is blank. Accordingly, a determinationof whether the terminal is in the operating mode or the standby mode canbe made by monitoring the state of the screen (e.g., by invoking anoperating system supported application programming interface (API) callto check whether the screen is active). In some embodiments, in theevent that the terminal is determined to be in operating mode, the alarmwake-up times of the apps in every wake-up alarm group are restored tothe original non-power-saving mode wake-up times. Monitoring of thealarm wake-up times following adjustments for every app in the wake-upalarm groups is not performed when the terminal is determined to be inoperating mode. In some embodiments, in the event that the terminal isdetermined to be in standby mode, the alarm wake-up times of apps in thewake-up alarm group are monitored to determine whether the alarmscorresponding to each app in the wake-up alarm group are consistent. Thealarm wake-up times of apps in the wake-up alarm group can be monitoredfollowing adjustments to each app in the various wake-up alarm groups tomake the alarms corresponding to each app in the various wake-up alarmgroups consistent across the respective wake-up alarm group. The alarmwake-up times of apps are monitored to determine whether the appsbelonging to a particular wake-up alarm group have consistent alarmwake-up times. Different wake-up alarm groups can have different alarmwake-up times that are consistent across their respective apps. In someembodiments, when the terminal switches from standby mode to operatingmode, every app is deleted from the corresponding wake-up alarm group,and the original wake-up time of the app is restored. In someembodiments, when the terminal switches from standby mode to operatingmode, an app is not deleted from its corresponding wake-up alarm group,however, the alarm wake-up times of the apps in the wake-up alarm groupsare set to invalid. In some embodiments, when the terminal switches fromstandby mode to operating mode, the terminal disables power savingfunctionality associated with the power-saving levels (e.g., thepower-saving levels corresponding to the various wake-up alarm groups).The wake-up alarm groups and the corresponding alarm wake-up times canbe retained while the terminal is in the operating mode, however, thedisabling of the power saving functionality causes the terminal to notenforce, or otherwise implement, the power-saving levels (e.g., theterminal does not monitor the alarm wake-up times of apps correspondingto the various wake-up alarm groups). For example, according to variousembodiments, in the operating mode, the alarms are no longer monitoredby the power-saving mechanism, but the alarms are still monitored by thesystem as though the power-saving mechanism does not exist.

In some embodiments, some apps, such as the 360 virus scan app, which donot have a periodic wake-up mechanism, but which are to be subject topower-saving restrictions, may achieve power-saving by prohibiting theapps from accessing the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) whilerunning in the background. In some embodiments, the 360 virus app canhave a periodic wake-up mechanism, however the primary cause ofsignificant power consumption by the 360 virus scan app is caused by the360 virus scan app accessing the internet in the background and suchaccess of the internet can last for relatively long times (e.g., hours).Accordingly, power-saving can be achieved by prohibiting the apps fromaccessing the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) while running in thebackground.

In some embodiments, the appropriate wake-up alarm group correspondingto the app is determined according to the power-saving level of the app.Descriptions of various implementations for determining the appropriatewake-up alarm group corresponding to an app are provided in connectionwith process 200 of FIG. 2 and process 300 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a process for waking up an app according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 200 can beimplemented by device 600 of FIG. 6 or computer system 700 of FIG. 7.Process 200 can be performed by a device on which an app is installed.As an example, the device can be a mobile terminal, a PC, a tablet, awearable PC such as a smartwatch, the like, or any combination thereof.

At 210, an app is added to a wake-up alarm group. The particular wake-upalarm group to which the app is added can be selected according to apower-saving level associated with an app. For example, a power-savinglevel associated with the app can be set (e.g., selected) and the appcan be added to the wake-up alarm group corresponding to the setpower-saving level. The power-saving level can be set by a user (e.g.,according to user settings or user preferences), by the device on whichthe app is installed, the like, or any combination thereof. In the eventthat the power-saving level is not set by the user, default settings canbe used. The power-saving level associated with the app can be setaccording to a power-saving level needed/desired for the app, and theapp is added to the appropriate wake-up alarm group. In someembodiments, a mapping relationship between the power-saving level and awake-up alarm group is set. The mapping relationship between thepower-saving level and the wake-up alarm group can be stored (e.g., in apower-saving app database). The app is added to the appropriate wake-upalarm group (e.g., according to the power-saving level associated withthe app). Different power-saving levels (and wake-up alarm groups)correspond to different wake-up time intervals.

According to various embodiments, various different power-saving levelscorrespond to various wake-up alarm groups. For example, three wake-upalarm groups are set. The three wake-up alarm groups include a wake-upalarm group having a wake-up time interval set to 5 minutes, a wake-upalarm group having a wake-up time interval set to 30 minutes, and awake-up alarm group for which wake-up is prohibited.

At 220, the alarm wake-up time of each app in the wake-up alarm group isadjusted. In some embodiments, the alarm wake-up time of each app isadjusted to make the alarm wake-up times corresponding to the respectiveapps in the wake-up alarm group consistent. According to variousembodiments, alarm wake-up times are deemed to be consistent if thealarm wake-up times are the same. Accordingly, adjustments to alarmwake-up times of apps are made to cause the apps to have the same alarmwake-up time. A file or other record storing alarm wake-up times (orintervals) of each app can be updated to store consistent alarm wake-uptimes for each app in a particular wake-up alarm group. As an example,assuming two alarms have the same time window 10 minutes, a first alarmis set to 1:30, and the second alarm is set to 1:33. The range (e.g.,the wake-up intervals) of the first alarm is 1:30-1:40, and the range ofthe second alarm is 1:33-1:43. Accordingly, the first alarm and thesecond alarm overlap at 1:33-1:40. Therefore, the first alarm and thesecond alarm can be set to belong to a group (the first and the secondalarm can a group). In the event that a third alarm is added and thetime of time of the third alarm is set to 1:38 and time window is also10 minutes, then the range of the third alarm is 1:38-1:48. Accordingly,the third alarm overlaps with the group comprising the first alarm andthe second alarm. As a result, the third alarm can be added to the groupcomprising the first alarm and the second alarm, and the group range canbe to 1:38-1:40. According to various embodiments, any time within therange can be selected and the wake-up of the apps belonging to the groupcan be triggered at any time within the range (e.g., all of the firstalarm, the second alarm, and the third alarm can be woken up at 1:39).

In some embodiments, the wake-up time for the app is set to the wake-uptime that was previously set for the corresponding wake-up alarm group.

The apps in the wake-up alarm group are woken up at the wake-up timeaccording to the appropriate wake-up alarm list (e.g., an original alarmlist, a power-saving alarm list, or the like). The appropriate wake-upalarm list can be determined (selected) according to whether the device(e.g., the terminal) is in a standby mode or an operating mode and/oraccording to the particular wake-up alarm group to which the appbelongs. In some embodiments, the alarm is only adjusted in relation tostandby mode of the device. If the device is switched to operating mode,the original alarm is resumed and the alarm list or group is adjustedaccordingly. A process for waking up an app according to the appropriatewake-up alarm list can optionally include 230, 232, and 234 to wake upthe app. For example, all apps in the wake-up alarm group wake-up at thewake-up time associated with the wake-up alarm group. At the wake-uptime after the alarms corresponding to every app in the wake-up alarmgroup has been adjusted to make the alarm corresponding to each appconsistent, all the apps in the wake-up alarm group wake up. Forexample, at the wake-up time following adjustment of the alarmscorresponding to the apps in the wake-up alarm group, the apps in thewake-up alarm group are woken up. In some embodiments, the terminal canreference a file which stores the default power-saving level for apps.The wake-up time is set dynamically during run-time according to theoriginal time set by app and the power-saving level.

According to various embodiments, every app in each wake-up alarm groupuses the same wake-up time for waking up all the apps in the group.Accordingly, when a current time corresponds to a wake-up timeassociated with a wake-up alarm group, every app in the wake-up alarmgroup is woken up (contemporaneously).

Android can manage alarms and set wake-up times using the file“AlarmManagerService.java.” Process 200 can be implemented on a devicerunning Android 4.4 (Cloud OS 3.0) Version 4.4 and earlier, or similaroperating systems. In these operating system versions, the file“AlarmManagerService.java” includes alarm wake-up times for each app.The file “AlarmManagerService.java” can be updated in connection with210 and 220 of process 200.

In some embodiments, apps are configured with original wake-up times setby the apps' own alarms. The operating system of the terminal puts theoriginal wake-up times set by these apps into a group alarm list. Thegroup alarm list that includes the original wake-up times set by theapps is referred to as the original alarm list. According to variousembodiments, various power-saving alarm lists can be added according tothe particular power-saving level (e.g., wake-up times or policy ofwake-up times). For example, other power-saving alarm lists (e.g.,respectively associated with the wake-up alarm groups described above)can be added to the AlarmManagerService.java file. As an example, threepower-saving alarm lists can be added: a 5-minute alarm list (e.g.,associated with an alarm wake-up time set to 5 minutes), a 30-minutealarm list (e.g., associated with an alarm wake-up time set to 30minutes), and a no-wakeup alarm list (e.g., associated with wake-upalarm groups for which wake-up is prohibited). The power-saving alarmlists (associated with the wake-up alarm groups) differ from theoriginal alarm list based at least on the fact that the alarms in theoriginal alarm list will punctually wake up the corresponding appaccording the wake-up time set by the app, but the alarms in thepower-saving alarm list will wake up to the corresponding apps accordingto the associated wake-up time or policy of the wake-up time (e.g.,periods of 5 minutes or 30 minutes or will prohibit background waking ofthe corresponding app). In the event that an alarm is to be set for anapp, it is determined whether the app is in the list of power-savingapps in the power-saving database. If the app is in the list ofpower-saving apps in the power-saving database, the app is included inthe appropriate power-saving alarm list depending on the associatedpower-saving level in the power-saving app database. If the app is notin the list of power-saving apps in the power-saving database, then theapp is included in the original alarm list. If an alarm wake-up time ina power-saving alarm list is reached when the terminal switches fromstandby to operating mode (e.g., when the screen switches from “screenoff” to “screen on”), the app corresponding to the alarm will be wokenup, and all alarms associated with wake-up times that have not yetarrived or which very recently arrived are moved to the original alarmlist (or the alarm of every app in the power-saving alarm lists is setto invalid). The alarm wake-up times for the apps in the original alarmlist are monitored. In some embodiments, in response to the terminalswitching from operating to standby mode, the apps in the original alarmlist are transferred to the power-saving alarm lists. In someembodiments, in response to the terminal switching from operating tostandby mode, the alarms of every app in the original alarm list are setto invalid. The alarm wake-up times of the apps in the power-savingalarm lists are monitored.

At 230, it is determined whether the device is in standby mode. Forexample, the terminal determines whether the terminal is in standby modeor operating mode.

In the event that the device is in standby mode, at 232, apps in thewake-up alarm group are woken up at the wake-up time according to thepower-saving alarm list corresponding to the wake-up alarm group. Whenthe device is in the standby mode, a particular app is woken upaccording to a power-saving alarm list corresponding to the wake-upalarm group to which the particular app belongs. After the app is wokenup, process 200 proceeds to 240.

In the event that the device is not in standby mode (e.g., the device isin operating mode), at 234, apps in the wake-up alarm group are woken upat the wake-up time according to the original alarm list correspondingto the alarm. When the device is in the operating mode, a particular appis woken up according to a corresponding original alarm list. After theapp is woken up, process 200 proceeds to 240.

At alarm wake-up time, the corresponding app is woken up. In response toan app waking up, at 240, the app sends heartbeat information orexecutes other operations in the background. 240 can be optionallyperformed. In some embodiments, in response to being woken up, an appcan perform a corresponding action or function.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of another process for waking up an app accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 300 can beimplemented by device 600 of FIG. 6 or computer system 700 of FIG. 7.Process 300 can be performed by a device on which an app is installed.As an example, the device can be a mobile terminal, a PC, a tablet, awearable PC such as a smartwatch, the like, or any combination thereof.

At 310, an alarm wake-up time window corresponding to an app isdetermined. The alarm wake-up time window corresponding to the app canbe determined according to the power-saving level associated with (e.g.,configured for) the app (e.g., an app having an alarm that is to beset), the most recent wake-up for the app, the length that was set forthe wake-up time window, the like, or any combination thereof.

At 320, the app is added to the appropriate wake-up alarm group. Thewake-up alarm group to which the app is to be added can be determinedbased at least in part on the alarm wake-up time window. For example,the app can be added to the wake-up alarm group for which the wake-uptime window of the alarm group and the alarm wake-up time windowcorresponding to the app intersect. In some embodiments, the app isadded to the appropriate wake-up alarm group by adding the alarmassociated with the app to the wake-up alarm group. Each alarmassociated with an app can include information relating to the app towhich the alarm is associated. Accordingly, when the alarm is triggeredto wake-up, the alarm can notify the associated app. The wake-up timewindow corresponding to an app can be deemed to intersect the wake-uptime window of an alarm group if the wake-up time window correspondingto the app at least partially overlaps with the wake-up time window ofthe alarm group. In the event that a wake-up time window correspondingto an app overlaps with more than one wake-up time window of differentwake-up alarm groups, the app can be added to one of the differentwake-up alarm groups. The device can select which of the differentwake-up alarm groups to which the app is added based on a degree towhich the wake-up time window corresponding to the app overlaps with thewake-up time window of the corresponding wake-up alarm groups, an apptype of the app, a priority of the app, a number of apps belonging tothe respective wake-up alarm groups, or the like. In some embodiments,the length of the wake-up time window corresponds to the maximum lengthof time that wake-up can be delayed. In some embodiments, the alarmwake-up time window corresponding to the app is the time interval duringwhich the app can be woken up.

The alarm wake-up time window corresponding to the app is set. Thewake-up time window is a time period during which the app may be wokenup. For example, the app can be woken up at any time during the timeperiod corresponding to the wake-up time window associated with the app.Determining a wake-up time period for waking up an app can be madeaccording to one or more of a corresponding power-saving level (e.g.,wake-up time interval), a most recent wake-up time for the app, and apreconfigured wake-up time window length. For example, if the wake-uptime interval corresponding to the power-saving level associated withthe app is 30 minutes, the most recent time at which the app was wokenup was 11:30, and the wake-up time window length is set to 3 minutes,then the alarm wake-up time window corresponding to the app determinedfor the next wake-up of the app is 12:00-12:03.

At 330, the alarm wake-up time of each app in the wake-up alarm group isadjusted. In some embodiments, the alarm wake-up time of each app isadjusted to make the alarm wake-up times corresponding to the respectiveapps in the wake-up alarm group consistent. For example, the alarmwake-up time of each app is adjusted to cause the alarm wake-up times tobe the same for the respective apps in the wake-up alarm group.

In some embodiments, alarms associated with apps that intersect with thewake-up time window are assigned (e.g., added) to a wake-up alarm group.After the app is added to the appropriate wake-up alarm group, theintersection between the alarm wake-up time window of the app and thealarm wake-up time window of the wake-up alarm group is determined. Thealarm wake-up time window of a wake-up alarm group can be determinedaccording to an intersection of the wake-up time of a plurality ofalarms in the wake-up alarm group. For example, the intersection of thewake-up time of every alarm in the wake-up alarm group is determined asthe alarm wake-up time window of the wake-up alarm group. In someembodiments, any time within the alarm wake-up time window of thewake-up time alarm group can be selected to serve as the consistent(e.g., aligned) wake-up time. In some embodiments, the earliest wake-uptime corresponding to the alarm wake-up time window of the wake-up alarmgroup serves as the consistent (e.g., aligned) wake-up time.

An app in a wake-up alarm group is woken up at the wake-up timecorresponding to the wake-up alarm group. For example, at a wake-up timeafter every app alarm in the wake-up alarm group has been adjusted tomake the alarm wake-up times corresponding to the respective apps in thewake-up alarm group consistent, all the apps in the wake-up alarm groupare woken up.

When the aligned alarm wake-up time of every app in the correspondingwake-up alarm group is reached, all of the apps in the correspondingwake-up alarm group are woken up. In some embodiments, the terminal canreference a file which stores the default power-saving level for apps.The wake-up time is set dynamically during run-time according to theoriginal time set by app and the power-saving level. The file or othertype of record storing alarm wake-up intervals of each app can store anindication of the wake-up alarm group to which the each correspondingapp belongs. In some embodiments, a file is generated or configured foreach wake-up alarm group such that the file stores an indication of theapps belonging to the corresponding wake-up alarm group, or the alarmwake-up time (or interval) associated with the wake-up alarm group.

The apps in the wake-up alarm group are woken up at a wake-up timedetermined according to whether the device (e.g., the terminal) is in an“active” state or an “inactive” state. For example, the wake-up time canbe determined according to whether the screen of the device is on oroff. The device can be deemed to be in an “inactive” state in the eventthat the screen is determined to be off. Conversely, the device can bedeemed to be in an “active” state in the event that the screen isdetermined to be on. Similarly, the device can be deemed to be in an“inactive” state in the event that the device is in a standby mode(e.g., a power-saving mode), and the device can be deemed to be in an“active” state in the event that the device is in an operating mode(e.g., a non-power-saving mode). A process for waking up an appaccording to whether the device is in an “active” state or an “inactive”state can optionally include 340, 352, and 354 to wake up the app. Forexample, all apps with corresponding alarms and/or wake-up times arewoken up according to whether the device is in an “active” state or an“inactive” state.

Process 300 can be implemented by a device running (e.g., executing)Android Version 4.4 (Cloud OS 3.0) or another similar operating system.For example, process 300 can be implemented by a device running anoperating system that stores and uses a file that manages or otherwisestores alarms corresponding to respective apps installed on the device.In Android Version 4.4 (Cloud OS 3.0), the alarm list in the“AlarmManagerService.java” file is canceled and replaced with a “Batch”list. “Batch” is a new class in Android 4.4. In some embodiments, a“Batch” list includes a group of alarms that can be simultaneously (orcontemporaneously) woken up. When the alarm wake-up time window is beingset for every app, a time window length (windowLength) parameter isadded to the original trigger time (triggerAtTime) parameter. The lengthparameter indicates that apps may be woken up at any time in the segmentof time from triggerAtTime to triggerAtTime+windowLength. If the alarmwake-up time windows for different apps intersect, the alarms for theseapps are assigned to the same batch, and the apps are simultaneouslywoken up.

Specifically, with regard to Android 4.4, the class “Alarm” has fieldsfor user-set original wake-up time and user-set latest wake-up time.According to various embodiments, fields in the class “Alarm” can beadded. For example, fields that can be added to the “Alarm” class caninclude a wake-up time after power-saving adjustment, a latest wake-uptime after power-saving adjustment, an indication of whether apower-saving alarm is used (e.g., a binary, or yes or norepresentation), and a power-saving level. The time between the wake-uptime after power-saving adjustment and the latest wake-up time afterpower-saving adjustment (which includes the wake-up time afterpower-saving adjustment and the latest wake-up time after power-savingadjustment) can correspond to the alarm wake-up time window aftercarrying out the power-saving setting. In the event that an alarmcorresponding to an app is set, the alarm wake-up time windowcorresponding to the app is determined according to the power-savinglevel stored in association with the app in the power-saving appdatabase. In some embodiments, the original wake-up time windowcorresponding to the app (e.g., an original wake-up time that is defaultfor the app or otherwise configured by a developer of the app or by thedevice based at least in part on user settings or preferences) innon-power-saving mode (e.g., when the device is in the operating mode)is saved. The app is added to the appropriate batch. For example, theapp can be added to the appropriate batch in response to the wake-uptime window corresponding to the app is determined. In some embodiments,when the screen of the device is in a “power on” state, the alarmwake-up time window for the app is restored to the initial wake-up timewindow in non-power-saving mode, and the app is withdrawn from the batchto which the app currently belongs. In addition, the app is added to anew batch in accordance with the restored initial wake-up time window innon-power-saving mode. In some embodiments, when the screen is in a“power off” state, the wake-up time window for the app is set inaccordance with the power-saving app database to the wake-up time windowin power-saving mode, and the appropriate batch is updated.

At 340, it is determined whether the device is in a “power-on” state.For example, the device can determine whether the device is in a“power-on” state or a “power-off” state. The device can determinewhether the device is in a “power-on” state or a “power-off” stateaccording to whether the screen of the device is on or off. A screenthat is on can be indicative of the device being in a “power-on” state,and a screen that is off can be indicative of the device being in a“power-off” state.

In the event that the device is in a “power-on” state, at 352, apps in awake-up group are woken up at a corresponding wake-up time according toa non-power saving mode. For example, the apps are woken up according tothe initial wake-up windows respectively corresponding to the apps(e.g., an initial wake-up time that is default for the app or otherwiseconfigured by a developer of the app or by the device based at least inpart on user settings or preferences). A batch including the initialwake-up window can be used in connection with waking up an app when thedevice is in a “power-on” state. After the app is woken up, process 300proceeds to 360.

In the event that the device is not in a “power-on” state (e.g., thedevice is in a “power-off” state), at 354, apps in a wake-up group arewoken up at a corresponding wake-up time according to a power-savingmode. For example, the apps are woken up according to the wake-up timesset in connection with a power-saving function. When the device is in apower-off state, the wake-up times and/or windows that are set for acorresponding app and stored in the power-saving app database are usedin connection with waking up the device. In the event that an alarmcorresponding to an app is set, the alarm wake-up time windowcorresponding to the app is determined according to the power-savinglevel stored in association with the app in the power-saving appdatabase. After the app is woken up, process 300 proceeds to 360.

At alarm wake-up time, the corresponding app is woken up. In response toan app waking up, at 360, the app sends heartbeat information orexecutes other operations in the background. 360 can be optionallyperformed. In some embodiments, in response to being woken up, an appcan perform a corresponding action or function.

According to various embodiments, a most recently updated power-savinglevel associated with an app can be fetched (e.g., obtained) from thepower-saving app database. The most recently updated power-saving levelfetched from the power-saving app database can be used in connectionwith carrying out the power-saving setting. Accordingly, thepower-saving app database is updated with changes to variouspower-saving settings (e.g., to reflect changes to changes inpower-saving levels associated with various apps, or the like). The appname list and the corresponding app power-saving levels in thepower-saving app database are promptly updated based on changes thereto.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for managing wake-up of an appaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Process 400can be implemented by device 600 of FIG. 6 or computer system 700 ofFIG. 7. Process 400 can be performed by a device on which an app isinstalled. As an example, the device can be a mobile terminal, a PC, atablet, a wearable PC such as a smartwatch, the like, or any combinationthereof.

In some embodiments, the power-saving levels corresponding to an app aremanaged based on changes in a status of an app (e.g., installation of anapp, uninstallation of the app, or the like), in user preferences orsettings, and/or power-saving configurations. The information associatedwith the power-saving levels corresponding to the app is updated basedon such changes. For example, a power-saving app database can be updatedin response to such changes.

In some embodiments, the device can determine whether a power-saving appdatabase exists (e.g., whether the device stores a power-saving appdatabase) or whether an existing power-saving app database is empty. Inthe event that a power saving app database does not exist, then apower-saving app database can be created (or populated) using thepower-saving configuration file stored at the device. In someembodiments, the power-saving configuration file that was initially seton the device can be used to create (or populate) the power-saving appdatabase. In some embodiments, a most recently updated (and implemented)power-saving configuration file can be used to create (or populate) thepower-saving app database.

At 410, it is determined whether a power-saving level associated with anapp is changed by a user. As an example, the app can be changed by auser via a setting interface, a change in user settings or preferences,or the like.

In the event that the power-saving level associated with the app ischanged by the user, at 440, corresponding power-saving information isupdated. For example, the power-saving app database is updated toreflect the change to the power-saving level associated with the app.Process 400 can thereafter proceed to 450.

In the event that the power-saving level is not changed by the user at410, at 420, it is determined whether a power-saving configuration fileis obtained. For example, it is determined whether a power-savingconfiguration file sent from network-side equipment after updating isreceived. The device can further determine whether the power-savingconfiguration file is to be applied to the device (which would thusresult in a change to the power-saving settings and/or information).

In some embodiments, the power-saving configuration file can beformatted as shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 AppName Wake-up Level Default Setting User Flag App1 0 FalseFalse App2 5 True False App3 5 True False App4 30 False True App 5 1False False

Referring to Table 1, wake-up level 0 indicates that the alarm is neverchanged (e.g., the wake-up level seems like a white list). The apps witha wake-up level of 0 indicates that the apps have no power-savingrestriction, and the corresponding apps do not appear in the usersetting interface and the user cannot change the setting. Apps with awake-up level of −1 indicates that the alarms corresponding to the appare always blocked (e.g., such a wake-up level is designed for thoseapps that user are not expected to be running in the background). Appswith wake-up levels>0, have wake-up intervals corresponding to the valueof the wake-up level (e.g., 5 indicates that the alarm can be delated amaximum of 5 minutes).

A default setting field indicates whether to apply the power-savinglevel to the corresponding app. For example, the value in defaultsetting field is false, the power-saving mechanism is not used.

A user flag field indicate whether the user has changed the setting, orwhether the user can change the power-saving mechanism for thecorresponding app. For example, the user flag field can indicate whetherthe user can switch on/off the power-saving mechanism for thecorresponding app.

The power-saving configuration file can include information from which apower-saving app database is configured (e.g., at boot-up of thedevice). In some embodiments, a power-saving app database is initializedfrom the configuration file after power up or after the being updatedfrom server. After the power-saving app database initialized, theconfiguration is read from the power-saving app database (e.g., theconfiguration file is not used directly because the configuration filecan include many uninstalled apps while the database only includes appsthat are installed on the device). The power-saving app database is asubset of the information provided in the configuration file.

In the event that a power-saving configuration file is obtained, at 440,corresponding power-saving information is updated. For example, thepower-saving app database is updated to reflect the change to thepower-saving level associated with the app based on any changes to thepower-saving configuration file. Process 400 can thereafter proceed to450.

In the event that a power-saving configuration file is not obtained, at430, it is determined whether an app is newly installed or removed(e.g., uninstalled).

In the event that an app is newly installed or removed, it can befurther determined whether the app that is newly installed or removedinvokes configuration of a power-saving setting (e.g., whether the apphas a permission declaration to access). In the event that an app isnewly installed or removed, at 440, corresponding power-savinginformation is updated. For example, the power-saving app database isupdated to reflect the change to the power-saving level associated withthe app (e.g., to add a power-saving level for a newly installed app, orto remove a power-saving level for a newly removed app). In someembodiments, process 400 proceeds from 430 to 440 in the event that theapp that is newly installed or removed invokes configuration of apower-saving setting. After the power-saving app database is updated,process 400 can proceed to 450.

In the event that an app is not newly installed or removed, at 450, amost recently updated power-saving level corresponding to an app isobtained. As an example, the most recently updated power-saving levelcorresponding to an app (e.g., an app for which an alarm is to be set)is fetched from a power-saving app database that stores informationrelating to power savings corresponding to apps (e.g., mappings ofpower-saving levels and corresponding app(s)).

At 460, the fetched power-saving level associated with the app can beused as a basis for adding the app to the appropriate wake-up alarmgroup. Different power-saving levels correspond to different wake-uptime intervals. In some embodiments, the app name list associated with acorresponding wake-up alarm group can be updated (e.g., so as to reflectthe updates to the power-saving app database).

According to various embodiments, 410, 420, and 430 can be performedserially (in any order) or in parallel. In some embodiments,satisfaction of other criteria for updating the power-saving information(e.g., other changes to the power-saving level) can be determined.

FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting the structural relationships of elementsof an app wake-up device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Referring to FIG. 5, structural elements of a device 500 forwaking-up an app is provided. Device 50 can implement process 100 ofFIG. 1, process 200 of FIG. 2, process 300 of FIG. 3, or process 400 ofFIG. 4. Device 500 can be implemented by device 600 of FIG. 6 orcomputer system 700 of FIG. 7. As an example, device 500 can be a mobileterminal, a PC, a tablet, a wearable PC such as a smartwatch, the like,or any combination thereof.

Device 500 includes an app power-saving setting module 510, apower-saving configuration file 520, a power-saving app database 530,and a wake-up management service module 540 (AlarmManagerService)responsible for implementing power-saving settings. The wake-upmanagement service module 540 can include a wake-up management servicesub-module 542, a 5-minute alarm list 544, a no-wakeup alarm list 546,and an original alarm list 548. The wake-up management servicesub-module 542 can set, update, or reference the various alarm lists544, 546, and 548 to set the power-level settings associated with anapp, or to wake-up an app in accordance with the corresponding alarmwake-up time.

According to various embodiments, the power-saving app database 530 isconfigured for communication between the app power-saving setting module510 and the wake-up management service module 540. For example, both theapp power-saving setting module 510 and the wake-up management servicemodule 540 can communicate with the power-saving app database 530 toobtain power-saving information (e.g., a power-saving level orindication thereof) corresponding to an app. When the device 500 (e.g.,the user terminal) is first powered on and started, the power-saving appdatabase 530 is created according to the power-saving configuration file520 that was initially set up (or that is otherwise stored on device500).

According to various embodiments, AlarmManagerService carries outpower-saving settings, AlarmManagerService does not directly fetch thepower-saving configuration file. Rather, AlarmManagerService can fetchthe power-saving app database that was created based on the power-savingconfiguration file. When the power-saving app database 530 is updated,and the device 500 (e.g., the current terminal) is in standby mode, theapp name lists corresponding to a wake-up alarm group are updated (e.g.,the app name lists corresponding to each wake-up alarm group can beupdated). Specifically, in the event that an app in the power-saving appdatabase 530 is changed to an app that is not in need of a power-savingsetting, the app is deleted from the power-saving app database 530. Thealarm wake-up time for this app is adjusted to the original wake-up timeassociated with a non-power-saving mode. For example, the apps are movedfrom the various power-saving alarm lists (e.g., that are used inconnection with a power-saving mode) to the original alarm list (e.g.,that are used in connection with a non-power-saving mode). In the eventthat an app for which a power-saving setting is to be used is added tothe power-saving app database 530, the appropriate wake-up alarm groupassociated with the app and the corresponding wake-up time inpower-saving mode are determined according to the power saving levelcorresponding to the app (e.g., the power-saving level can be determinedfrom the appropriate alarm list). For example, the app is added to the5-minute alarm list, the 30-minute alarm list, or the no-wakeup alarmlist.

The app power-saving setting module 510 provides the user with auser-setting interface 514. The user can change the power-saving levelassociated with an app using the user setting interface. In response tothe user changing the power-saving level associated with the app, thepower-saving app database 530 is updated in accordance with the apppower-saving level that was changed by the user.

Device 500 can receive a power-saving configuration file 512 from anetwork side (e.g., from a server that communicates with device 500 overa network). The received power-saving configuration file 512 can be usedto update the power-saving configuration file 520 of device 500. Inresponse to the power-saving configuration file 512 being updated on thenetwork side, the updated power-saving configuration file is downloadedfrom the network side, and the power-saving app database 530 is updatedin accordance with the updated power-saving configuration file 520.

Device 500 can install or uninstall apps according to user settings oruser preferences, according to administrator control, the like, or anycombination thereof. Device 500 can provide a user interface via whichthe user can instruct device 500 to install or uninstall an app. Inresponse to the user installing a new app, the new app can be configuredwith a power-saving setting (e.g., an app that has authority to accessthe Internet). In the event that the app is to be configured with apower-saving setting, the app is added to the power-saving app database530 in accordance with the power-saving configuration file 520.Similarly, in the event that the user uninstalls an installed app, ifthe app is in the power-saving app database 530, then the app is deletedfrom the power-saving app database 530.

In some embodiments, by monitoring system events (e.g., events occurringat the device), promptly learning of all app-related operations forprompt updating of the power-saving app database and subsequent promptupdating of the app name lists in all the wake-up alarm groups ispossible. For example, if, after a system power on completion event isdetected through monitoring, the current power-saving app database isdetermined to be empty, a power-saving app database is created inaccordance with the power-saving configuration file that was initiallyset. After monitoring detects an event wherein the user has changed apower-saving level associated with the app through the user settinginterface, the power-saving app database is updated in accordance withthe power-saving level associated with the app and set by the user.After monitoring detects an app uninstallation event, the deviceassesses whether the app is in the power-saving app database. If the appis in the power-saving app database, then the device deletes the appfrom the power-saving app database. After monitoring detects a new appinstallation event, the device determines whether the app is an app forwhich a power-saving setting is to be configured. If a power-savingsetting associated with the app is to be configured, then the deviceadds the app to the power-saving app database. After monitoring detectsan event wherein the power-saving configuration file on the network sideis updated, the device updates the power-saving app database inaccordance with the updated power-saving configuration file.

FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of an app wake-up device according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 600 can implementprocess 100 of FIG. 1, process 200 of FIG. 2, process 300 of FIG. 3, orprocess 400 of FIG. 5. Device 600 can correspond to, or otherwise beimplemented by, a computer system 700 of FIG. 7. In some embodiments,device 600 includes an adding module 610, an adjusting module 620, and awake-up module 630.

In some embodiments, the adding module 610 is configured to set apower-saving level associated with an app. The adding module 610 can setthe power-saving level associated with an app according to whether anapp is deemed to require, or otherwise necessitate, a power-saving level(e.g., if the app accesses the internet, consumes a relatively largeamount of computing resources, the like, or any combination thereof).The adding module 610 is further configured to add the app to theappropriate wake-up alarm group. Different power-saving levelscorrespond to different wake-up time intervals.

In some embodiments, the adjusting module 620 is configured to adjustthe alarm wake-up time of each app in the wake-up alarm group. In someembodiments, the adjusting module 620 adjusts the alarm wake-up time ofeach app to make the alarm wake-up times corresponding to the respectiveapps in the wake-up alarm group consistent.

In some embodiments, a wake-up module 630 is configured to wake-up theapps in the wake-up alarm group at the wake-up time. For example, thewake-up module 630 is configured to, at the wake-up time after every appalarm in the wake-up alarm group has been adjusted to make the alarmwake-up times corresponding to the respective apps in the wake-up alarmgroup consistent, wake up all the apps in the wake-up alarm group.

In some embodiments, the adding module 610 is further configured to addthe app to the appropriate wake-up alarm group according to thepower-saving level of the app and the mapping relationship between thepower saving level and the wake-up alarm group.

In some embodiments, the adding module 610 is further configured todetermine the alarm wake-up time window for the app according to the apppower-saving level, the most recent wake-up for the app, and the lengththat was set for the wake-up time window. The adding module 610 can beconfigured to add the app to the wake-up alarm group for which thewake-up time window and the alarm wake-up time window for the appintersect. The length of the wake-up time window can be the maximumlength of time that wake-up can be delayed. The alarm wake-up timewindow corresponding to the app can be the time interval during whichapp can be woken up.

In some embodiments, the adding module 610 is configured to, beforeadding the app to the appropriate wake-up alarm group, determine thatthe app does not have an alarm function (e.g., to alert the user). Thealarm function to alert the user can be a function which at a presettime issues an alert signal to alert the user.

In some embodiments, the adding module 610 configures the power-savinglevel for the app according to real-time need for information about theapp.

In some embodiments, the adding module 610 is configured to fetch themost recently updated power-saving level associated with the app from apower-saving app database. The adding module 610 can use the fetchedpower-saving level as a basis for adding the app to the appropriatewake-up alarm group.

In some embodiments, the adding module 610 is configured to update thepower-saving app database in the event that an app power-saving level ismodified by the user through a user setting interface.

In some embodiments, the adding module 610 is configured to update thepower-saving app database in the event that a power-saving configurationfile (e.g., an updated power-saving configuration file) sent fromnetwork-side equipment is received.

In some embodiments, the adding module 610 is configured to update thepower-saving app database in the event that a new app for which apower-saving setting is to be configured is installed on the terminalassociated with the power-saving app database (e.g., device 600) or aninstalled app that was in the power-saving app database is removed(e.g., uninstalled) from the terminal associated with the power-savingapp database.

In some embodiments, the wake-up module 630 is configured to, upondetermining that the terminal on which the app is installed (e.g.,device 600) is in standby mode, monitor the alarm wake-up time afterevery app in the wake-up alarm group has been adjusted to make the alarmwake-up times corresponding to the respective apps in the wake-up alarmgroup consistent. In the event that the wake-up module 630 detects thealarm wake-up time after the adjustments were made to make the alarmwake-up times corresponding to the respective apps in the wake-up alarmgroup, the wake-up module 630 wakes up all the apps in the wake-up alarmgroup.

The modules (or sub-modules) described above can be implemented assoftware components executing on one or more general purpose processors,as hardware such as programmable logic devices and/or ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuits designed to perform certain functions or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the modules can be embodied bya form of software products which can be stored in a nonvolatile storagemedium (such as optical disk, flash storage device, mobile hard disk,etc.), including a number of instructions for making a computer device(such as personal computers, servers, network equipment, etc.) implementthe methods described in the embodiments of the present invention. Themodules may be implemented on a single device or distributed acrossmultiple devices. The functions of the modules may be merged into oneanother or further split into multiple sub-modules.

FIG. 7 is a functional diagram of a computer system for waking up an appaccording to various embodiments of the present application.

Referring to FIG. 7, a computer system 700 for waking up an app isdisplayed. As will be apparent, other computer system architectures andconfigurations can be used to detect a specified identifier. Computersystem 700, which includes various subsystems as described below,includes at least one microprocessor subsystem (also referred to as aprocessor or a central processing unit (CPU)) 702. For example,processor 702 can be implemented by a single-chip processor or bymultiple processors. In some embodiments, processor 702 is a generalpurpose digital processor that controls the operation of the computersystem 700. Using instructions retrieved from memory 710, the processor702 controls the reception and manipulation of input data, and theoutput and display of data on output devices (e.g., display 718).

Processor 702 is coupled bi-directionally with memory 710, which caninclude a first primary storage, typically a random access memory (RAM),and a second primary storage area, typically a read-only memory (ROM).As is well known in the art, primary storage can be used as a generalstorage area and as scratch-pad memory, and can also be used to storeinput data and processed data. Primary storage can also storeprogramming instructions and data, in the form of data objects and textobjects, in addition to other data and instructions for processesoperating on processor 702. Also as is well known in the art, primarystorage typically includes basic operating instructions, program code,data, and objects used by the processor 702 to perform its functions(e.g., programmed instructions). For example, memory 710 can include anysuitable computer-readable storage media, described below, depending onwhether, for example, data access needs to be bi-directional oruni-directional. For example, processor 702 can also directly and veryrapidly retrieve and store frequently needed data in a cache memory (notshown). The memory can be a non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium.

A removable mass storage device 712 provides additional data storagecapacity for the computer system 700, and is coupled eitherbi-directionally (read/write) or uni-directionally (read only) toprocessor 702. For example, storage 712 can also includecomputer-readable media such as magnetic tape, flash memory, PC-CARDS,portable mass storage devices, holographic storage devices, and otherstorage devices. A fixed mass storage 720 can also, for example, provideadditional data storage capacity. The most common example of massstorage 720 is a hard disk drive. Mass storage device 712 and fixed massstorage 720 generally store additional programming instructions, data,and the like that typically are not in active use by the processor 702.It will be appreciated that the information retained within mass storagedevice 712 and fixed mass storage 720 can be incorporated, if needed, instandard fashion as part of memory 710 (e.g., RAM) as virtual memory.

In addition to providing processor 702 access to storage subsystems, bus714 can also be used to provide access to other subsystems and devices.As shown, these can include a display monitor 718, a network interface716, a keyboard 704, and a pointing device 706, as well as an auxiliaryinput/output device interface, a sound card, speakers, and othersubsystems as needed. For example, the pointing device 706 can be amouse, stylus, track ball, or tablet, and is useful for interacting witha graphical user interface.

The network interface 716 allows processor 702 to be coupled to anothercomputer, computer network, or telecommunications network using anetwork connection as shown. For example, through the network interface716, the processor 702 can receive information (e.g., data objects orprogram instructions) from another network or output information toanother network in the course of performing method/process steps.Information, often represented as a sequence of instructions to beexecuted on a processor, can be received from and outputted to anothernetwork. An interface card or similar device and appropriate softwareimplemented by (e.g., executed/performed on) processor 702 can be usedto connect the computer system 700 to an external network and transferdata according to standard protocols. For example, various processembodiments disclosed herein can be executed on processor 702, or can beperformed across a network such as the Internet, intranet networks, orlocal area networks, in conjunction with a remote processor that sharesa portion of the processing. Additional mass storage devices (not shown)can also be connected to processor 702 through network interface 716.

An auxiliary I/O device interface (not shown) can be used in conjunctionwith computer system 700. The auxiliary I/O device interface can includegeneral and customized interfaces that allow the processor 702 to sendand, more typically, receive data from other devices such asmicrophones, touch-sensitive displays, transducer card readers, tapereaders, voice or handwriting recognizers, biometrics readers, cameras,portable mass storage devices, and other computers.

The computer system shown in FIG. 7 is but an example of a computersystem suitable for use with the various embodiments disclosed herein.Other computer systems suitable for such use can include additional orfewer subsystems. In addition, bus 714 is illustrative of anyinterconnection scheme serving to link the subsystems. Other computerarchitectures having different configurations of subsystems can also beutilized.

A person skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments ofthe present application can be provided as methods, systems or computersoftware products. Therefore, the present application may take the formof complete hardware embodiments, complete software embodiments, orembodiments that combine software and hardware. Moreover, the presentapplication may take the form of computer program products implementedon one or more computer-operable storage media (including but notlimited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROMs, and optical storage)containing computer-operable program code.

The present application is described with reference to flow chartsand/or block diagrams based on methods, devices (systems) and computerprogram products. Please note that each flow chart and/or block diagramwithin the flowcharts and/or block diagrams and combinations of flowcharts and/or block diagrams within the flowcharts and/or block diagramscan be realized by computer commands. One can provide these computercommands to a general-purpose computer, a specialized computer, anembedded processor, or the processor of other programmable dataequipment so as to give rise to a machine, with the result that thecommands executed through the computer or processor of otherprogrammable data equipment give rise to a device that is used torealize the functions designated by one or more processes in a flowchart and/or one or more blocks in a block diagram.

These computer program commands can also be stored onspecially-operating computer-readable storage devices that can guidecomputers or other programmable data equipment, with the result that thecommands stored on these computer-readable devices give rise tocommodities that include command devices. These command devices realizethe functions designated in one or more processes in a flow chart and/orone or more blocks in a block diagram.

These computer program commands can also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data equipment, with the result that a series ofoperating steps is executed on a computer or other programmableequipment so as to give rise to computer processing. In this way, thecommands executed on a computer or other programmable equipment providesteps for implementing the functions designated by one or more processesin a flow chart and/or one or more blocks in a block diagram

Although preferred embodiments of the present application have alreadybeen described, a person skilled in the art can make other modificationsor revisions to these embodiments once he grasps the basic creativeconcept. Therefore, the attached claims are to be interpreted asincluding the preferred embodiments as well as all modifications andrevisions falling within the scope of the present application.

A person skilled in the art can modify and vary the present applicationwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Thus, if these modifications to and variations of the presentapplication lie within the scope of its claims and equivalenttechnologies, then the present application intends to cover thesemodifications and variations as well.

Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detailfor purposes of clarity of understanding, the invention is not limitedto the details provided. There are many alternative ways of implementingthe invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and notrestrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: grouping a plurality ofapplications (apps) to form a wake-up alarm group, wherein the pluralityof apps are grouped based at least in part on one or more wake-up timewindows respectively corresponding to the plurality of apps, and thegrouping the plurality of apps comprises: determining that a first appdoes not have an alarm function, the alarm function being a functionwhich at a preset time issues an alert signal; and in response todetermining that the first app does not have the alarm function, addingthe first app to the wake-up alarm group; adjusting one or more wake-uptimes corresponding to the plurality of apps in the wake-up alarm groupto form one or more adjusted alarm wake-up times; and waking up thecorresponding apps of the plurality of apps of the wake-up alarm groupaccording to the one or more adjusted alarm wake-up times.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the wake-up alarm group is selected among aplurality of wake-up alarm groups based at a wake-up time information.3. The method of claim 2, wherein the grouping of the plurality of appsfurther comprises selecting the wake-up alarm group as a group to whichto add the first app from among a plurality of wake-up alarm groups, andthe wake-up alarm group is selected based at least in part on wake-uptime information associated with the first app.
 4. The method of claim3, wherein the wake-up time information comprise a wake-up time windowcorresponding to the first app.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein thewake-up alarm group is selected further based at least in part on apower-saving level associated with the first app.
 6. The method of claim3, wherein a power-saving level associated with the first app isdetermined based at least in part on whether the first app is configuredto communicate over a network.
 7. The method of claim 3, wherein apower-saving level associated with the first app is determined based atleast in part on whether the first app provides a real-timecommunication function.
 8. The method of claim 3, wherein a power-savinglevel associated with the first app is dynamic and the wake-up alarmgroup selected among the plurality of wake-up alarm groups is updateddynamically based at least in part on a current power-saving levelassociated with the first app.
 9. The method of claim 3, wherein theadding of the first app to the wake-up alarm group comprises fetching amost recently updated power-saving level associated with the first appfrom a power-saving app database, and the first app is added to thewake-up alarm group based at least in part on the fetched power-savinglevel.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: updating thepower-saving app database in response to: receiving a modification to anapp power-saving level; receiving an updated power-saving configurationfile sent from a server; installing, on a terminal associated with thepower-saving app database, a new app for which a power-saving setting isto be configured; or uninstalling, from the terminal associated with thepower-saving app database, an installed app that is in the power-savingapp database.
 11. The method of claim 2, wherein the adding of the firstapp to the wake-up alarm group comprises: determining an alarm wake-uptime window corresponding to the first app according to a power-savinglevel associated with the first app, a most recent wake-up time of thefirst app, and a length of the wake-up time window; and adding the firstapp to the wake-up alarm group for which a wake-up time window of thegroup and the alarm wake-up time window corresponding to the appintersect, wherein the length of the wake-up time window corresponds toa maximum length of time that wake-up can be delayed, and the alarmwake-up time window corresponding to the first app corresponds to a timeinterval during which the first app is to be woken up.
 12. The method ofclaim 2, further comprising: configuring a power-saving level associatedwith the first app according to an indication of an extent to whichreal-time information regarding the first app is expected, wherein thefirst app is added to the wake-up alarm group based at least in part onthe power-saving level associated with the first app.
 13. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of apps are grouped based further on aplurality of power-saving levels corresponding to the plurality of apps.14. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more wake-up timescorresponding to the plurality of apps are adjusted to be consistent.15. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of wake-upalarm groups is associated with a corresponding alarm wake-up time. 16.The method of claim 1, further comprising: setting one or morepower-saving levels associated with the plurality of apps.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the setting of the one or more power-savinglevels associated with the plurality of apps comprises selecting apower-saving level from a set of a plurality of power-saving levels, andthe plurality of power-saving levels of the set correspond to differentwake-up time intervals.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the wake-upalarm group is selected based further on a mapping relationship betweenthe power-saving level and the wake-up alarm group.
 19. The method ofclaim 1, wherein waking up the corresponding apps of the plurality ofapps of the wake-up alarm group according to the one or more adjustedalarm wake-up times: in response to determining that a terminal on whicha first app is installed is in a standby mode, monitoring the adjustedalarm wake-up times corresponding to the plurality of apps; detectingthat the adjusted alarm wake-up times corresponding to the plurality ofapps are reached; and in response to the detection that the adjustedalarm wake-up times corresponding to the plurality of apps are reached,waking up all the apps in the wake-up alarm group.
 20. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: determining whether a terminal on which afirst app is installed is in a standby mode; in response to determiningthat the terminal is not in a standby mode, waking up the first appaccording to an initial alarm wake-up time; and in response todetermining the terminal is in the standby mode, waking up the first appaccording to the adjusted alarm wake-up times.
 21. A device, comprising:at least one processor configured to: group a plurality of applications(apps) to form a wake-up alarm group, wherein the plurality of apps aregrouped based at least in part on one or more wake-up time windowsrespectively corresponding to the plurality of apps, and to group theplurality of apps comprises: determine that a first app does not have analarm function, the alarm function being a function which at a presettime issues an alert signal; and in response to determining that thefirst app does not have the alarm function, add the first app to thewake-up alarm group; adjust one or more wake-up times corresponding tothe plurality of apps in the wake-up alarm group to form one or moreadjusted alarm wake-up times; and wake up the corresponding apps of theplurality of apps of the wake-up alarm group according to the one ormore adjusted alarm wake-up times; and a memory coupled to the at leastone processor and configured to provide the at least one processor withinstructions.
 22. A computer program product, the computer programproduct being embodied in a non-transitory computer readable storagemedium and comprising computer instructions for: grouping a plurality ofapplications (apps) to form a wake-up alarm group, wherein the pluralityof apps are grouped based at least in part on one or more wake-up timewindows respectively corresponding to the plurality of apps, and thegrouping the plurality of apps comprises: determining that a first appdoes not have an alarm function, the alarm function being a functionwhich at a preset time issues an alert signal; and in response todetermining that the first app does not have the alarm function, addingthe first app to the wake-up alarm group; adjusting one or more wake-uptimes corresponding to the plurality of apps in the wake-up alarm groupto form one or more adjusted alarm wake-up times; and waking up thecorresponding apps of the plurality of apps of the wake-up alarm groupaccording to the one or more adjusted alarm wake-up times.